KBL Airport (Kabul International Airport) – Cargo, Address, Transit

About This Airport

Walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, pomegranates and saffron — Afghanistan's high-value farm exports, worth more than 500 million dollars a year — are what move through Kabul International Airport (KBL, formerly Hamid Karzai International). Since October 2025 the national carrier Ariana Afghan Airlines has run dedicated freighters from the field under state-subsidised rates of roughly one dollar per kilo for exports, alongside private Kam Air's cargo services. The main markets are the Gulf states of the UAE and Saudi Arabia and, increasingly, India. Air links to India matter more than ever because the overland Torkham crossing to Pakistan was shut for weeks at a time during 2025 and 2026. Sitting at around 1,790 metres in the Kabul basin, KBL connects by the national Ring Road to Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif. Customs and ground handling run through Afghanistan's civil aviation authority and contracted handlers. For forwarders, Kabul is the landlocked country's primary air gateway, complemented by land corridors to Pakistan, Iran and Central Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IATA code of Kabul International Airport?▼

The IATA code of Kabul International Airport is KBL. This three-letter code is used for unique airport identification in international air transport.

Where is Kabul International Airport located?▼

Kabul International Airport is located in Kabul, AF.

What is the ICAO code of Kabul International Airport?▼

The ICAO code of Kabul International Airport is OAKB. This four-letter code is used internationally in aviation.

What is the elevation of Kabul International Airport?▼

Kabul International Airport is at an elevation of 1791 meters (5877 ft) above sea level.

Kabul International AirportKBL · OAKB

About This Airport

Frequently Asked Questions

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